True Californio Horsemanship exists to preserve and share the traditions of the old Californio horsemen in a practical way that riders can apply today.

I’m Manny Olague, a horseman, trainer, and educator dedicated to developing willing, capable horses through communication, timing, and feel rather than force. My work focuses on the traditional progression from the hackamore to the bridle horse, with an emphasis on mustangs, stock horses, and building horses that are useful both on the ranch and on the trail.

The material you’ll find here isn’t theory pulled from books. It’s based on years of hands-on experience, countless hours in the saddle, and lessons learned from accomplished horsemen who continue to use these traditions in the real world.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or refining a finished horse, my goal is simple: provide honest, practical resources that help you become a better horseman while honoring one of the greatest horsemanship traditions ever developed.